Automotive vehicle seat system

ABSTRACT

A restraint system for a removable vehicle seat is attached to the vehicle seat. A restraint tower associated with the restraint system transfers energy generated during vehicle impact.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to automotive vehicle seat systems.

2. Discussion

Vehicle seats may support occupants and transfer occupant loads to thevehicle. Vehicle seats generally have a seat back and a seat bottom. Theseat back may support a back of an occupant and the seat bottom maysupport a bottom of an occupant. The seat back may include a cushion toincrease the comfort of an occupant seated in the seat. Likewise, theseat bottom may include a cushion to increase the comfort of an occupantseated in the seat. Seat cushions may be covered by a fabric, or othermaterial, to enhance the appearance of the vehicle seat.

Vehicle seats may be configured to accommodate a single occupant, e.g.,a front bucket seat. Other vehicle seats may be configured toaccommodate multiple occupants, e.g., a seat for a van. Additionally,different vehicles may include a different number of seats, e.g., a vanmay include more seats than a sports car.

Vehicle seats may take up space within a vehicle. In order to increasethe space available within a vehicle, vehicle seats may be configured tobe removed by a user. By unlatching and removing such removable seatsfrom a vehicle, more space may be available for the transportation ofmaterials.

Vehicle seats may include occupant restraint systems. A restraint systemfor a removable seat may be attached to the vehicle and the seat.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention may take the form of a vehicle seat systemfor an automotive vehicle. The system includes a removable vehicle seatand a 3-point occupant restraint system associated with the seat. Theoccupant restraint system includes shoulder and lap belts having aplurality of anchors. The system also includes a seat integratedrestraint tower. At least one of the anchors is attached to the seatintegrated restraint tower and the other of the anchors are attached tothe seat.

Embodiments of the invention may take the form of a vehicle seat systemfor an automotive vehicle. The system includes a removable vehicle seatand a 3-point occupant restraint system associated with the seat. Theoccupant restraint system includes shoulder and lap belts having aplurality of anchors. The anchors are attached to the seat.

Embodiments of the invention may take the form of a vehicle seat systemfor an automotive vehicle. The system includes a removable vehicle seatand a 3-point occupant restraint system associated with the seat. Therestraint system includes a shoulder and lap belts having a plurality ofanchors. The anchors are not attached to the vehicle.

While exemplary embodiments in accordance with the invention areillustrated and disclosed, such disclosure should not be construed tolimit the claims. It is anticipated that various modifications andalternative designs may be made without departing from the scope of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a removable vehicle seat system inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention and shows the understructure of the seat system.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the removable vehicle seat system ofFIG. 1 and shows the restraint towers in further detail.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the removable vehicle seat system of FIG. 1and shows the cross-member in further detail.

FIG. 4A is a side elevation view of a portion of seat system 10 of FIG.1 and shows the riser assembly in further detail.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a portion of the riser assembly of FIG.4 a and shows a tether strap for a child seat attached to the riserassembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the riser assembly of FIG.4 and shows the front hook in further detail.

FIG. 6 is a rear view, in cross-section, of the front hook of FIG. 5taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 5 and shows the layered structureof the front hook.

FIG. 7 is an end view, in cross-section, of a portion of seat system 10of FIG. 1 and shows the cross-member in further detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of removable vehicle seat system 10showing the under structure of seat system 10. Seat system 10 includesseat back 12, seat bottom 14, riser assemblies 16, and cross-member 18.The length of cross-member 18 is substantially equal to the width ofseat system 10. In alternative embodiments, the length of cross-member18 may be less than the width of cross-member 18. Seat system 10 canaccommodate approximately four passengers. In alternative embodiments,seat system 10 can accommodate a fewer or greater number of passengers.

Seat back 12 supports a passenger back and includes back frame 20, crosstubes 22, and restraint towers 24. Back frame 20 provides structuralsupport for a seat back cushion (not shown) and transfers/distributespassenger loads. Back frame 20 is mechanically attached, e.g., welded,bolted, with seat bottom 14 and cross-member 18. Cross tubes 22 providefurther structural support for seat back 12 as well as restraint towers24 as will be described below.

Seat system 10 also includes shoulder belts 26, retractor assemblies 27,lap belts 28, and belt buckles 29. Belts 26, 27 may limit passengermovement during vehicle impact. Retractor assemblies 27 permit shoulderbelts 26 to effectively lengthen or shorten during passenger use. FIG. 1shows shoulder belts 26 in the stowed position where a portion ofshoulder belts 26 are wrapped and held within retractor assemblies 27.Shoulder belts 26 and lap belts 28 are provided with conventional latchplates 25 that are configured to be received by belt buckles 29.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of seat system 10 of FIG. 1 showingrestraint towers 24 in further detail. Restraint towers 24 includerecessed areas 30 that are configured to receive retractor assemblies27. Retractor assemblies 27 are mechanically fixed e.g., bolted torestraint towers 24 at retractor attach points 32. Restraint towers 24further include shaped features 34 to accommodate cross tubes 22. Shapedfeatures 34 permit cross tubes 22 to be at least partially flush withthe front surface of restraint towers 24 as shown in FIG. 1.Additionally, shaped features 34 provide an extended welding surface forcross tubes 22. Restraint towers 24 further include structural features36, 38 which further add structural integrity to restraint towers 24.Structural features 36, 38 may vary depending on the design of the seatand the loads imposed. Bases 39 of restraint towers 24 are wider thantops 31 of restraint towers 24. Additionally, restraint towers 24 taperfrom bases 39 to tops 31. Restraint towers 24, however, may beconfigured as desired.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, cross tubes 22 are welded with restrainttowers 24. Cross tubes 22, however, may be mechanically fixed withrestraint towers 24 in any desired fashion or may merely be in contactwith restraint towers 24. Cross tubes 22 may serve as an effectivestructural member that minimizes restraint tower displacement resultingin favorable passenger kinematics.

In some embodiments, restraint towers 24 are one-piece beams of uniformstrength, whereby the cross sections of the structures increaseproportionately with the increase in the bending moments at thesections. Such restraint towers 24 are optimized for even stressdistribution, with weight and cost savings. The cross sections may alsobe wide flange column beams with shallow draw depths resulting inefficient packaging of passenger seating position and offering maximumseat comfort for passengers. Restraint towers 24 may be common for threeand four passenger seat assemblies.

Restraint towers 24, in concert with other structural members, e.g.,cross tubes 22, are designed to transfer/dissipate impact energy. Energyabsorbing features, such as structural features 36, 38, enhance thisability. Restraint towers 24 may be strategically welded to cross tubes22 to dissipate the loads through the structure in an efficient loadpath. Restraint towers 24 may also transfer loads to seat bottom 14.Restraint towers 24 may further be vertical, structurally optimizedmembers.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of seat system 10 of FIG. 1 showing cross-member18 in further detail. Seat bottom 14 includes support mat 40 and springattachments 42. Support mat 40 supports/distributes passenger loads.Cross-member 18 includes support mat attach points 44, e.g., holes,configured to receive spring attachments 42 of support mat 40. Riserattach brackets 46 of riser assemblies 16 are mechanically fixed, e.g.,bolted, to cross-member 18 at riser attach points 48. Belt/buckle anchorplates 49 are also mechanically fixed, e.g., bolted, to cross-member 18at anchor plate attach points 47.

Seat system 10 provides an efficient load path management design thatresults in an optimized energy dissipation. Inboard passengers arerestrained by the restraint systems described above which are at leastpartially attached to restraint towers 24. Inboard torso loads aredistributed to cross-member 18 and seat bottom 14 by seat back 12 andrestraint towers 24. Loads are then transferred to riser assemblies 16and finally to the vehicle (not shown).

FIG. 4A is a side elevation view of a portion of seat system 10 of FIG.1 showing riser assembly 16 in further detail. Riser assembly 16includes front hook 50, riser plate 53, and rear latch assembly 56.Front hook 50 is mechanically fixed, e.g., bolted, to riser plate 53 atfront hook attach points 51. Rear latch assembly 56 is mechanicallyfixed, e.g., bolted, to riser plate 53 at attach points 57.

Front hook 50 includes hook feature 52 which is configured to engagefront striker 54 of the vehicle. Rear latch assembly 56, likewise, isconfigured to engage rear striker 58 of the vehicle. Front striker 54and rear striker 58 are mechanically fixed, e.g., welded, to trackmembers 60. Track members 60 may be bolted or otherwise mechanicallyfixed to floor pan 61 of the vehicle. Riser assembly 16 spaces seatbottom 14 away from floor pan 61.

Riser plate 53 provides child seat tether strap attach points 62 whichpermit tether strap 63 for a child seat to be directly attached withriser assembly 16 as shown in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of riser assembly 16 of FIG. 4showing front hook 50 in further detail. Front hook 50 includes skidsurface 64 and striker surface 66. Skid surface 64 provides a surface onwhich seat system 10 may slide if removed from the vehicle. Strikersurface 66 provides a contact surface for front striker 54. As describedbelow, front hook 50 has several layers that are bolted together by bolt68.

FIG. 6 is rear view, in cross-section, of front hook 50 taken alongsection line 6-6 of FIG. 5 showing its layered structure. Metal pieces70, 72, e.g., steel, sandwich plastic core 74. Plastic core 74 wrapsaround bottom edges 76, 78 of metal pieces 70, 72, respectively, thusforming skid surface 64. Plastic core 74 also wraps around upper edges80, 82 of pieces 70, 72, respectively, thus forming striker surface 66.Plastic core 74 provides abrasion resistance for bottom edges 76, 78 offront hook 50 if seat system 10 is slid or moved along skid surface 64and noise isolation from contact with front striker 54.

In some embodiments, front hook 50 helps in proper decking of seatsystem 10 and also protects the structure against abrasive wear. Fronthook 50 may include a high strength plastic part, e.g., plastic core 74,sandwiched between two flat steel plates, e.g., metal pieces 70, 72,riveted together to provide an efficient system that serves as astructural member. Front hook 50 may be low cost and made from simplestamping tools. Front hook 50 may be easily substituted for many of thestructural hooks made from expensive processes like fine blanking.

FIG. 7 is an end view, in cross-section, of a portion of seat system 10of FIG. 1 showing cross-member 18 in further detail. Cross-beam 18transfers passenger loads from belts 26, 28 and restraint towers 24 tothe vehicle through riser assemblies 16. In the embodiment of FIG. 7,cross-member 18 is roll formed. In alternative embodiments, however,cross-member 18 may have other one-piece structures.

Shoulder belt lower anchor 84 is mechanically fixed, e.g., bolted, tocross-member 18. FIG. 7 further shows riser assembly bolt 86 and risernut 88, and restraint tower bolt 90 and restraint tower nut 92, e.g.,pierce nut. Cross-member 18 thus provides features, e.g., riser attachpoints 48 (FIG. 2), tower attach points 94 (FIG. 2), through which bolts86, 90 may pass. Riser assemblies 16 and restraint towers 24 are thusmechanically fixed to cross-member 18.

In some embodiments, cross-beam 18 integrates anchor plate attach points47, tether attach points 62, and other L.A.T.C.H. attachments, trimcover attachment features, and support mat attach points 44.Cross-member 18 may includes pierce nuts embedded and dispersedthroughout the section to provide the above mentioned anchorattachments.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described,it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe allpossible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in thespecification are words of description rather than limitation, and it isunderstood that various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

1. A vehicle seat system for an automotive vehicle comprising: aremovable vehicle seat; a 3-point occupant restraint system associatedwith the seat and including a shoulder belt and a lap belt to limitoccupant movement during vehicle impact wherein the shoulder belt andlap belt have a plurality of anchors; and a seat integrated restrainttower to at least one of transfer energy generated during vehicle impactfrom the 3-point occupant restraint system to the vehicle and absorbenergy generated during vehicle impact wherein at least one of theanchors is attached to the seat integrated restraint tower and whereinthe other of the anchors are attached to the seat.
 2. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the seat includes a torque tube connected with the seatintegrated restraint tower to limit displacement of the seat integratedrestraint tower during vehicle impact.
 3. The system of claim 2 whereinthe torque tube is welded to the seat integrated restraint tower.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the 3-point occupant restraint system includesan inboard retractor and wherein the seat integrated restraint towerhouses the inboard retractor.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the seatintegrated restraint tower comprises a wide flange column beam.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the seat integrated restraint tower has awidth and wherein the width is variable.
 7. The system of claim 6wherein the seat integrated restraint tower has first and second ends,wherein the width of the first end is greater than the width of thesecond end, and wherein the width of the seat integrated restraint towertapers from the first end to the second end.
 8. The system of claim 7wherein the seat includes a structural cross member and wherein thefirst end of the seat integrated restraint tower is attached to thestructural cross member.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein the vehiclehas a floor pan, wherein the system further comprises a riser to spacethe seat away from the floor pan, a suspension mat to distributeoccupant weight along the seat, and a unitary cross member to transferoccupant loads to the vehicle, wherein the unitary cross member includesan integrated suspension mat attachment feature, an integrated riserattachment feature, and an integrated anchor attachment feature, andwherein the suspension mat is attached to unitary cross member via theintegrated suspension mat attachment feature, the riser is attached tothe unitary cross member via the integrated riser attachment feature,and one of the anchors is attached to the unitary cross member via theintegrated anchor attachment feature.
 10. The system of claim 9 whereinthe unitary cross member has a one-piece structure.
 11. The system ofclaim 9 wherein the seat has a width and wherein the unitary crossmember has a length substantially equal to the width of the seat. 12.The system of claim 9 wherein the unitary cross member further includesan integrated tether latch attachment feature configured to receive atether latch.
 13. The system of claim 9 wherein at least one of theintegrated attachment features comprises a pierced nut.
 14. The systemof claim 1 wherein the seat integrated restraint tower comprises aone-piece structure.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein the vehicleincludes a floor pan, wherein the seat further includes a riser to spacethe seat away from the floor pan, and wherein the riser includes anintegrated tether latch attachment feature configured to receive atether latch.
 16. A vehicle seat system for an automotive vehiclecomprising: a removable vehicle seat; and a 3-point occupant restraintsystem associated with the seat and including a shoulder belt and a lapbelt to limit occupant movement during vehicle impact wherein theshoulder belt and lap belt have a plurality of anchors and wherein theanchors are attached to the seat.
 17. A vehicle seat system for anautomotive vehicle comprising: a removable vehicle seat in the vehicle;and a 3-point occupant restraint system associated with the seat andincluding a shoulder belt and a lap belt to limit occupant movementduring vehicle impact wherein the shoulder belt and lap belt have aplurality of anchors and wherein the anchors are not attached to thevehicle.
 18. The system of claim 17 further comprising a seat integratedrestraint tower to at least one of transfer energy generated duringvehicle impact from the 3-point occupant restraint system to the vehicleand absorb energy generated during vehicle impact wherein at least oneof the anchors is attached to the seat integrated restraint tower andwherein the other of the anchors are attached to the seat.
 19. Thesystem of claim 18 wherein the seat integrated restraint tower comprisesa wide flange column beam.
 20. The system of claim 18 wherein the seatintegrated restraint tower has a width and wherein the width isvariable.